Install Instructions
53
EMP
Installation & Service Manual
109529-03 - 11/19
A.  COMBUSTION
1.  NOZZLES — Although the nozzle is a relatively 
inexpensive device, its function is critical to 
the successful operation of the oil burner. The 
selection of the nozzle supplied with the EMP 
boiler is the result of extensive testing to obtain 
the best flame shape and efficient combustion. 
Other brands of the same spray angle and spray 
pattern may be used but may not perform at the 
expected level of CO
2
 and smoke. Nozzles are 
delicate and should be protected from dirt and 
abuse. Nozzles are mass-produced and can vary 
from sample to sample. For all of those reasons a 
spare nozzle is a desirable item for a serviceman 
to have.
2.  FLAME  SHAPE — Looking into the combustion 
chamber through the observation port, the flame 
should appear straight with no sparklers rolling 
up toward the crown of the chamber. If the flame 
drags to the right or left, sends sparklers upward or 
makes wet spots on the chamber walls, the nozzle 
should be replaced. If the condition persists look 
for fuel leaks, air leaks, water or dirt in the fuel as 
described above.
3. FUEL LEAKS — Any fuel leak between the 
pump and the nozzle will be detrimental to good 
combustion results. Look for wet surfaces in the 
air tube, under the ignitor, and around the air 
inlet. Any such leaks should be repaired as they 
may cause erratic burning of the fuel and in the 
extreme case may become a fire hazard.
4.  AIR LEAKS — Any such leaks should be repaired, 
as they may cause erratic burning of the fuel and 
in extreme cases may become a fire hazard.
5.  GASKET  LEAKS — If 11.5 to 12.5% CO
2
 with a 
#1 smoke cannot be obtained in the breeching, 
look for air leaks around the burner mounting 
gasket, observation door, and canopy gasket. 
Such air leaks will cause a lower CO
2
 reading in the 
breeching. The smaller the firing rate the greater 
effect an air leak can have on CO
2
 readings.
6. DIRT — A fuel filter is a good investment. 
Accidental accumulation of dirt in the fuel system 
can clog the nozzle or nozzle strainer and produce 
a poor spray pattern from the nozzle. The smaller 
the firing rate, the smaller the slots become in the 
nozzle and the more prone to plugging it becomes 
with the same amount of dirt.
7.  WATER — Water in the fuel in large amounts will 
stall the fuel pump. Water in the fuel in smaller 
amounts will cause excessive wear on the pump, 
but more importantly water doesn’t burn. It chills 
8.  COLD  OIL — If the oil temperature approaching 
the fuel pump is 40°F or lower, poor combustion 
or delayed ignition may result. Cold oil is harder 
to atomize at the nozzle. Thus, the spray droplets 
get larger and the flame shape gets longer. An 
outside fuel tank that is above grade or has fuel 
lines in a shallow bury is a good candidate for 
cold oil. The best solution is to locate the tank 
near the boiler in the basement utility room or 
bury the tank and lines deep enough to keep the 
oil above 40°F. Check environmental issues with 
local authorities having jurisdiction.
9. HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATIONS — Air 
openings must be increased at higher altitudes. 
Use instruments and set for 11.5 to 12.5% CO
2
.
10.  START-UP  NOISE — Late ignition is the cause of 
start-up noises. If it occurs recheck for electrode 
settings, flame shape, air or water in the fuel lines.
11. SHUT  DOWN  NOISE — If the flame runs out 
of air before it runs out of fuel, an after burn with 
noise may occur. That may be the result of a 
faulty cut-off valve in the fuel pump, or it may be 
air trapped in the nozzle line. It may take several 
firing cycles for that air to be fully vented through 
the nozzle. Water in the fuel or poor flame shape 
can also cause shut down noises.
  NOTICE: 
CHECK TEST PROCEDURE. A very 
good test for isolating fuel side problems is to 
disconnect the fuel system and with a 24" length 
of tubing, fire out of an auxiliary five gallon pail of 
clean, fresh, warm #2 oil from another source. If 
the burner runs successfully when drawing out of 
the auxiliary pail then the problem is isolated to 
the fuel or fuel lines being used on the jobsite.
B.  OIL PRIMARY CONTROL (Oil Primary)
1.  Burner (Oil Primary) will not come on.
a.  No power to Oil Primary.
b.  Oil Primary is in lockout or restricted mode. 
Press reset button for one (1) second to exit 
lockout. If control has recycled three times 
within the same call for heat, it will enter into 
restricted mode. To reset from restricted 
mode, refer to Section VIII, Paragraph J, No. 
2 for details.
c.  CAD cell seeing light.
d.  CAD assembly defective.
e.  Control motor relay is stuck closed (see 
note below).
12 Troubleshooting
the flame and causes smoke and unburned fuel 
to pass out of the combustion chamber and clog 
the flueways of the boiler.










